Visible Reminders
Visible Reminders
Inked Magazine explores the trend of memorial tattoos, looking at one student's personal experience of having a memorial tattoo, and some useful tips from tattoo artists on getting a memorial tattoo.
“The number of hours we have together is actually not so large. Please linger near the door uncomfortably instead of just leaving. Please forget your scarf in my life and come back for it later” - Mikko Harvey, For M
Tattoos are becoming an increasingly popular trend. With an estimated 30% of the US population having at least one tattoo, it is safe to say that they have become a cultural phenomenon. Tattoos are individualised works of art that can be customised to reflect the unique personality of each wearer. This visual art form offers a means for people to outwardly showcase their tastes and individuality for all to see, yet perhaps what makes tattoos so popular is their ability to make a statement without uttering a single word. Maybe it is this silent yet powerful mode of self-expression that has preserved the enduring popularity of this ancient art form well into the 21st century.
Not only do people get tattoos as a way to express themselves, but also to remember someone in the form of a memorial tattoo. Memorial tattoos can be whatever the wearer wishes, but we spoke to Brighton-based tattoo artist Ellen who reported that the most common remembrance tattoo trends she sees are: “Angel wings, portraits of loved ones, names and dates, or sentimental quotes from that person”. A recent study from psychologists Buckle and Corbin Dwyer found that people get memorial tattoos because they serve as a visual expression of grief.
Inked magazine spoke to Ella, a 21-year-old Cardiff University student with a remembrance tattoo for her friend Cherry. Ella and Cherry met when they were “Both 16-years-old" she told us that the two had an “Instant connection and became friends super quickly”. However, when Cherry died in September 2021, Ella was left feeling “Completely confused and alone without her”. Although Ella had “Never wanted tattoos as a child” due to her mother having one that she regretted, Ella’s opinion of them changed following the loss of her friend. She told us that she felt “Inspired” to start getting tattooed when she “Started to get into the more alternative scene” and realised how “Cool and creative” they can be. Although Ella has a collection of meaningful tattoos: One for her dog, one for her dad, and one for her friends, she told us that her “Most meaningful tattoo” is the one she got for Cherry.
Ella’s tattoo depicts a message from Cherry which reads: “I wish I could carry some of the pain for you”, she told us that she chose this quote from her friend because it “Captures exactly what she was like... Even when she was struggling with her own mental health, she would always comfort me”, Ella feels like the tattoo is “Beautiful because it perfectly captures Cherry’s selfless nature and her kind heart”.
Ella told us that she felt getting a tattoo for Cherry felt like the most “Therapeutic way to remember her by”, that although she has “A collection of photographs of Cherry”, she feared that they would become “Lost or damaged”; therefore getting the quote permanently tattooed on her “Felt like a very natural thing to do” because it allowed Ella to “Carry her with me every day in a tangible way”.
Another finding from Buckle and Corbin Dwyer revealed that memorial tattoos can serve as conversation starters for the person with the tattoo to share stories about their lost loved one and maintain a connection with them, even after death. This ongoing connection aids greatly in the grieving process as it allows individuals to process their loss while maintaining a tangible bond with the departed. Ella told us that her tattoo gives her “A chance to talk about Cherry and keep her memory alive”. When Ella looks at her tattoo now, she told us that she “Feels a mixture of sadness and pride” but ultimately, she is appreciative of the tattoo and feels it is “Beautiful” because it represents what her friend was “Like in real life” and believes that “It is exactly how Cherry would want to be remembered”.
Inked also spoke to another Brighton-based tattoo artist, Leo who offered some advice for people looking to get a memorial tattoo. He told us that when he tattoos, he finds it “Difficult to give straight advice on designs and features” because every memorial tattoo is unique and personal to everyone, but that when choosing an artist, it is vital that you find someone who is confident in their artistic ability who won’t overstep or over criticise your design. His final piece of advice was simply to choose a design that “Holds a deep and personal meaning” to you, and that you personally connect with which will honour your loved one with dignity.